My Experience with Jordan Rif’at: A Cautionary Tale for Freelancers
As a freelancer, I’ve always believed in the importance of trust and professionalism in client relationships. Unfortunately, my recent experience with a client named Jordan Rifat has left me disheartened and compelled to share my story. This is not just about the money I’m owed but also about raising awareness of the challenges freelancers face when clients refuse to honor their commitments.
The Beginning: A Promising Start
Jordan reached out to me last year, requesting assistance with an online course he was enrolled in Australia. We agreed on terms, and I began working on his assignments. Initially, things went well—he paid for the first semester, albeit with some delays. I was patient and understanding, as I know life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges our way.
The Turning Point: Broken Promises and Excuses
When it came time to pay for the second semester, everything changed. Jordan began making endless promises to settle his dues but never followed through. He repeatedly assured me that he would pay “in full,” often citing personal hardships as reasons for the delay. He mentioned his father’s surgery, losing his job, financial struggles, and even the tragic passing of a friend as excuses. While I sympathised with his circumstances, his actions told a different story. His emails were filled with contradictions and shifting timelines. At one point, he even offered to set up a payment plan but never followed through with it. Each time I reached out for updates, I was met with more excuses or silence.
A Pattern of Deception
Over time, it became clear that Jordan had no intention of paying me for the work I had completed. His emails revealed a pattern of manipulation—promising payments that never arrived, accusing me of being impatient or hostile when I pressed for updates, and even trying to shift blame onto me by claiming I was “threatening” him.
Here are just a few examples of his excuses:
- October 2024: “My father has just had heart surgery… I assure you, I have every intention to pay you in FULL.”
- November 2024: “I’ve been let go from work… I get paid out for 1 month + annual leave so I can pay you in full as soon as that is paid.”
- December 2024: “I have less than $100 in my bank account… Would $50 AUD per week work until I get a new job?”
I’ve attached a more detailed extract of some of our email conversation with him.
Despite these assurances, no payments were made. Instead, he accused me of blackmailing him when I mentioned escalating the issue to relevant authorities.
The Emotional Toll
What hurt the most was not just the financial loss but the emotional toll this experience took on me. As freelancers, we pour our time, energy, and expertise into our work, trusting that clients will honor their end of the agreement. To be met with dishonesty and manipulation is deeply disheartening. Jordan even went as far as using someone else’s death—his friend Sam—as an excuse to delay payment. He promised to cover Sam’s outstanding balance with me but never did. This level of deceit is beyond comprehension.
Lessons Learned
This experience has taught me some valuable lessons that I hope will help other freelancers avoid similar situations:
- Always Use Contracts: Ensure you have a written agreement outlining payment terms before starting any project.
- Request Upfront Payments: For large projects, consider requesting partial or full payment upfront to minimize risk.
- Set Boundaries: Be firm about deadlines for payments and avoid letting clients take advantage of your kindness.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications and agreements in case you need evidence later.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m sharing my story not out of spite but as a warning to others who may encounter clients like Jordan Rifat. Freelancers deserve respect and fair treatment just like any other professional. If we don’t hold people accountable for their actions, this cycle of exploitation will continue. To Jordan: If you’re reading this, all I ever wanted was for you to honor your commitment and pay for the work I completed in good faith. It’s never too late to make things right. To my fellow freelancers: Stay vigilant and protect yourselves. Your time and skills are valuable—don’t let anyone take them for granted. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional details added!
Here are some of his emails. Off course, there are many more, which I will share in successive posts in other platforms.